In parallel with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), held between November 25 and December 10, the United Nations system in Lebanon and its partners launched an awareness campaign to eliminate Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG).
According to UN Women Lebanon, the VAWG remains the most widespread human rights violation around the world, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 women.
For 2022, UN Lebanon implemented, with its partners, an awareness campaign aiming at initiating a call to action to mobilize the public to engage in activism and prevent gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls.
Under the theme of “UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls,” the campaign invites the public to act as activists by encouraging local communities towards joining women’s rights movements.
The 16-day campaign consists of a social media campaign, with the hashtags #16days and #سوا_ضد_العنف, showcasing 16 men, women, and girls standing in solidarity with women’s rights and supporting feminist movements.
Today, 25 Nov. Int'l Day to #EndViolence Against #Women we kick off #16Days of Activism against gender-based violence #GBV ending 10 Dec. on #HumanRightsDay
— UN_Lebanon (@UN_Lebanon) November 25, 2022
Join us & @Nclwgov ,women rights organizations &protection actors in stressing need to end #GBV 👉https://t.co/pvT0LY6FGm pic.twitter.com/iH5YOUIyVg
The campaign includes an awareness video calling individuals to report any kind of GBV to the Internal Security Forces (ISF)‘s hotline (1745).
Women’s status in Lebanon is still controversial at best.
Despite their role in the country’s economy and progress, their high level of education, their previous crucial role in leading the difficult journey toward independence, and their proven capabilities, women in Lebanon are still hindered by many laws.
Among these are laws prohibiting women from working certain jobs, laws preventing Lebanese mothers to give their citizenship to their children, and laws of children’s custody in divorce across the sects.
When it comes to domestic violence, authorities tend to turn a blind eye and also the society in general. Unfortunately, the victims themselves tend to remain silent and endure violence from their “legal guardians” for being raised by a patriarchal mindset and culture.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, there are local organizations that can help. Reach out to: KAFA: +961 3 018 019, Himaya: +961 3 414 964, ABAAD: +961 81 78 81 78
Related: Women In Lebanon Have Still A Long Way To Go For Their Rights
